Glossary
Hepatitis: An infection or inflammation of the liver.Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Liver Scan: An image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in the liver, especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner.
Liver failure: The final stage of liver disease, in which liver function becomes so impaired that other areas of the body are affected, most commonly the brain
Antiviral: An agent that is effective against viruses.
Viral: Pertaining to or caused by a virus.
Hepatocyte: A liver cell.
Jaundice: Symptom of liver damage, bile obstruction or excessive red-blood-cell destruction. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the whites of the eyes, yellow skin, dark urine and light stool.
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; the virus that is responsible for causing AIDS.
Cirrhosis: A type of chronic, progressive liver disease.
Liver Cancer: A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the liver.
